This is a lesson about being different and thinking differently. It focuses on the work of Temple Grandin, an animal behavior scientist who has autism, a brain condition of unknown cause that people are born with, and that makes them behave differently than other people.

MESSENGER: A Mission to Mercury

Below you will find Science NetLinks resources related to the planet Mercury and, in particular, the MESSENGER mission to the planet that concluded in April 2015. (MESSENGER stands for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging.) In addition to the mission-related interactives and information found on the Science NetLinks MESSENGER page, the lessons and tools below were designed to provide teachers with information for students so they can better understand MESSENGER as it progresses toward its ultimate goal of entering the orbit of Mercury to collect comprehensive planetary data.

Many of these resources use interactives created in collaboration with the MESSENGER project.
Filter Resources by Grade:

6-8 | Interactive
The focus of the lesson is technology, not only how it allows humans to collect scientific data and information on a faraway terrestrial planet, but also the constraints involved in designing the spacecraft to carry this technology.

6-12 | Interactive
The Gravity Assist Simulator takes you through a series of simulated collisions to show how the New Horizon and Messenger spacecraft will use planned collisions to extend their missions.

Science Updates

6-12 | Audio
The planet Mercury seems placid compared to others in the solar system. But the MESSENGER spacecraft is revealing a more tumultuous past.

AAAS Resources

Spotlight on Space ExplorationGrade Band: 6-12Description: This collection of audio podcasts from Science Update offers students the opportunity to hear from NASA and its partners, as they explore worlds both near and far.

Other Resources

MESSENGERGrade Band: 3-12Description: The mission homepage gives a timeline and history of the project, offers educational resources for teachers and students, and provides the most recent information on the mission.

MESSENGER Mercury Orbit InsertionGrade Band: 3-12Description: This page for the Mercury Orbit Insertion offers details relating to MESSENGER's March 2011 insertion into Mercury's orbit and includes animations, images, and a press kit with a bounty of information.

The Nine Eight Planets Grade Band: 6-12Description: The Nine Eight Planets site, created by astronomer Bill Arnett, is a comprehensive overview and often-detailed discussion of the planets in our solar system, their related satellites, and other, small, local bodies, with accompanying graphics and photos to enhance any learner's understanding.